New Group To Focus On Troubled Business Clients

Law

At a time when cost-cutting and layoffs are familiar words, Broad and Cassel has added a new practice group and thinks more growth is on the horizon.

The firm pulled 14 lawyers from other areas of practice -- such as real estate, commercial litigation and bankruptcy -- to launch its Special Assets Practice Group, which will help troubled business clients.

FOR THE RECORD - ********** CORRECTION PUBLISHED FEBRUARY 21, 2002 **********A headline in the Law column on Page 7 of Monday's Central Florida Business, or CFB, section mischaracterized the Orlando presence of the law firm Greenberg Traurig. The firm, with an established office in Orlando, has added a Health Business Group to the local operation.************************************************************

"Broad and Cassel has always made the adjustments necessary to best support our clients in spite of economic conditions," said Connie Smekens, director of communications and business development.

Last year, the firm said, its gross and net revenues rose about 13 percent. The firm credits the increases to an advertising campaign launched last year and a campaign to have lawyers market their services more aggressively to existing and potential clients.

The firm also cut spending and renegotiated contracts with vendors;

This year Broad and Cassel hopes to start a White Collar Defense Group, which would represent victims of white-collar crime and those accused of it.

"We believe this is a good time to look at expansion opportunities," chief operating officer Eddie Burklin said.

GREENBERG TRAURIG OPENS IN ORLANDO

Greenberg Traurig P.A. has expanded its Health Business Group to include the Orlando office, hiring two of-counsel attorneys, Michael Lowe and Bill Sutton.

"We decided to get into Central Florida simply because of the demographic," Sutton said. Medicare-eligible retirees flock to the area and "we can provide them with the lawyers needed to help them navigate all those complex issues," he said.

Eventually the Orlando Health Business Group may include as many as five lawyers, Sutton said.

Greenberg has about 40 health-care attorneys in its 17 offices. Cities with the most significant health-care practices include Boston, New York and Miami, the firm said.

FIRM CROSSES THE BORDER

Baker and Hostetler LLP has formed an affiliation with Enriquez, Gonzalez, Aguirre y Ochoa, a law firm in Juarez, Mexico.

" Our client demand reflects the growth of exports to Mexico and importance of establishing business operations there," said Ken Wright, the partner in charge of international practice for Baker and Hostetler's Orlando office.

If the Mexican firm has issues requiring advice from U.S. lawyers, Baker and Hostetler can offer help, and vice versa. The two firms have already worked jointly, helping clients in such matters as acquisitions, customs and tax counseling.

OFFICE MOVES TO WINTER PARK

Hill, Adams, Hall and Schieffelin P.A. has moved from its downtown Orlando location on East Concord Street to a 15,000-square-foot office in Winter Park Village. The new, larger site in Winter Park will better "accommodate our statewide clients and growing practice," senior partner G. Bruce Hill said.